President Uhuru Kenyatta has often admitted missing the freedom that comes with anonymity, even revealing how he enjoyed a private life before his entry into Kenyan politics.
"I would be sitting here getting my drink and nobody would be noticing me," he told comedian Churchill during a past interview.
This may explain why he has often broken from the presidential norms of heavy security and uptightness to enjoy some of the freedoms ordinary Kenyans often take for granted.
Whether it's an innocent activity like an evening stroll without mean-eyed bodyguards, many a Kenyan often create a fuss wondering why a man his status would walk or drive without his security detail.
Evening Walk
On Wednesday, February 24, Pascal Tokodi, actor and musician, shared a video on his Instagram of the President walking leisurely near State House Nairobi.
In the video, the actor is heard sharing a greeting with the President and asking him to watch Selina, a TV show that airs on Maisha Magic East. The President can be heard saying that he will watch the show.
“How are you sir? Oh my goodness, have a good day. Ona Selina, ona Selina,” the actor says before the President promises to watch the show.
Probox Tour
In June 2020, CCTV footage captured Uhuru alighting from a blue car which appeared to be a probox. He alighted from the passenger seat and former prime minister, Raila Odinga alighted from the front passenger seat.
The two were on a tour of the of Kenyatta Avenue Nairobi, after celebrating Madaraka Day at the State House.
They inspected a project by the Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) before exiting as quietly as they had arrived.
G- Wagon Drives
The President in February 2020, surprised many Kenyans when he drove himself from State House to Nyayo Stadium to inspect the progress of the preparations for the memorial service of the late former president Daniel Arap Moi.
This rekindled memory from 2019 when the president caused quite a stir when he pulled up to the Holy Family Basilica Church, Nairobi all alone in the same black Mercedes Benz G-Wagon he is usually spotted in. It was only after alighting that the congregation recognized him and ran to greet him.
Impromptu Visit to Family Company
He also drove himself for an impromptu visit to Mediamax Network Limited in April 2020, which is said to belong to his family.
This company owns television operations including K24, People Daily and Milele FM. He made the visit at a time when the company had been rocked by wrangles over the proposed fifty percent pay cut.
Uhuru has consistently established himself as a president who is never afraid of taking a dip at the ordinary life. Having ditched his security detail severally, opting to drive himself around.
